Political expert Yuriy Romanenko identifies the demographic crisis as the single greatest challenge to Ukraine's future, arguing that the state will be unable to function after the war without the return of a significant portion of its refugees.
"Regarding demography: 'Who will rebuild the country if everyone has left?' This is actually the most terrifying question, and our government currently has no clear answer to it. We must understand: if we do not bring back at least 2-3 million people after the war, we simply won't be able to maintain our infrastructure and social services," the analyst cautioned.
Romanenko emphasized that under an "inertial" scenario, Ukraine faces economic collapse due to the widening gap between the working population and those requiring social support.
"The country will simply 'collapse' under the weight of debt, destroyed cities, and a massive number of retirees with no one to provide for them. The demographic pit we have fallen into is no longer just deep—it is critical," he noted.
The expert spoke critically of attempts to bring people back using only patriotic slogans, highlighting the deep integration of Ukrainians into European societies.
"The people who left, especially women with children, are already starting to put down roots there. Children are going to schools, adults are finding jobs and learning languages. For them to return, conditions here must be not just 'no worse,' but in some ways even better. Safety is number one. But safety is not just about air defense; it is also about legal security. A person needs to know their business won't be seized and they won't be forced into a van in the middle of the street without legal grounds," Romanenko emphasized.
Beyond physical and legal security, a radical shift in the economic climate must be the decisive factor, according to the analyst.
"We need a new economic policy. Not tax breaks for 'insiders' or more grants that will be embezzled, but a radical simplification of everything for those who create jobs... Only a real economic boom can become the magnet that pulls people back. If we leave the system as it is now, we will simply lose entire generations forever," Yuriy Romanenko concluded.